Upload an image as PNG, JPG, WebP, BMP, GIF or TIFF, choose size and method, and step2gcode converts it into laser G-code – row by row as a photo or logo, or along lines as an outline or line drawing. The preview shows what the laser will burn before you download.
For diode lasers and laser modules running GRBL or Marlin – and for CNC routers: a V-bit engraves the outline, centerline or photo edges in 2D direct mode, with all 14 post-processors. No installation, no account, first image free.
The tool does not load in this view without JavaScript. To convert an image to G-code, open www.step2gcode.com/en/image-to-gcode in your browser.
Instead of preparing the image in a graphics program first and setting it up in laser software afterwards, everything happens in one browser tab: upload, enter the width in millimetres, pick a method, adjust brightness and contrast with a live preview, download the G-code.
Uploaded images are processed solely to create the program and its preview and deleted after 24 hours at the latest. No analysis, no sharing, no cookies. Hosted in Germany.
Upload the image (PNG, JPG and more), enter the width in millimetres and choose a method: "Photo (dithering)" for photos, "Logo / text" for graphics, or one of the vector methods. Brightness, contrast and gamma can be adjusted with a live preview. Then set power and speed for your material, generate the G-code and download it.
Yes. PNG, JPG/JPEG, WebP, BMP, GIF and TIFF are read directly, without converting to SVG or DXF first. The format is detected from the content, phone photos are turned upright using their EXIF data, and transparent areas stay unburned. Up to 20 MB and 40 megapixels.
For photos, "Photo (dithering)" – it works on almost every material. For logos and lettering, "Logo / text", or "Outline" if it should be fast. Grayscale gives the smoothest tones but needs a material that darkens evenly with power, and a test first. "Photo edges" turns a portrait into a line drawing.
With raster, the laser scans the image row by row and burns dots – that is how photos and filled areas are made. With vector, it only follows lines: the outline of dark areas, the middle of strokes or the edges of a photo. That is often 5 to 20 times faster, but areas stay empty.
For diode lasers and laser modules running GRBL (most hobby lasers, e.g. with LaserGRBL or any G-code sender) and for Marlin (such as 3D printers with a laser module). GRBL needs $32=1 (laser mode); Marlin needs LASER_FEATURE enabled. The file header states the required settings and the S maximum.
That depends heavily on the laser and the material. The material presets provide starting values; only a test is certain. That is what the free material test is for: a card with squares at different power and speed settings, the values engraved beside them – one run on an offcut instead of many test burns. The preview shows the motif and the running time, not how your wood will darken.
Yes, with "Cut + engrave": black lines are cut, coloured ones (such as red) engraved – from one image, in one program, engraving first and then cutting, both exactly on top of each other. Cutting has its own power, speed and passes. If the image carries a dpi value, the page suggests the original size.
Yes – image to CNC works with one of the vector methods (outline, centerline, photo edges): the lines are engraved in 2D direct mode, with a V-bit by default (end mill selectable), and you set the engraving depth under Operations. Tool, feeds and all 14 post-processors work as for DXF files. Row-by-row methods (photo dithering, grayscale) are laser work and not available for milling.
Uploading, adjusting, previewing and generating are free. Only the download is charged: your first image is free, after that a new image costs one credit. Once paid, the same image stays free for good – with any settings.
It is processed solely to create the engraving program and its preview and deleted after 24 hours at the latest. It is not analysed, not shared and never included in error reports.